In 2024, the world observed record-breaking wet weather exacerbated by climate change, resulting in severe disasters globally. Water-related calamities claimed over 8,700 lives, displaced 40 million, and cost $550 billion. The Global South, particularly West Africa and Bangladesh, faced the most severe impacts, prompting urgent calls for adaptation measures to address these escalating challenges.
The year 2024 witnessed unprecedented weather challenges intensified by climate change, marking it as the hottest and one of the wettest years on record. The Global Water Monitor reported that water-related disasters, including floods and storms, caused over 8,700 fatalities, displaced around 40 million individuals, and incurred economic losses exceeding $550 billion. Countries in the Global South bore the brunt of these extremes, facing devastating impacts from heavy rains, landslides, and typhoons.
In West Africa, heavy rainfall and flooding resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 people, displacing approximately one million. Experts assert that human-induced climate change intensified these events by up to 20%, exacerbating conditions like crop damage due to saturated soil. Similar patterns were evident across various regions, where extreme weather occurrences surged by 52% compared to the late 1990s.
Bangladesh experienced severe flooding in 2024, with record rainfall levels disrupting the lives of its 180 million residents. The nation reported an alarming daily average of 103 mm of rainfall, leading to the displacement of over half a million people and substantial economic losses of nearly $500 million. Additionally, the country encountered power outages and significant agricultural losses, with a reduction of over one million metric tons of rice due to flood damage.
Despite contributing merely 0.03% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Bangladesh continues to suffer from exacerbated monsoon patterns and extreme weather due to climate change. The Global Water Monitor highlighted the increasing irregularity of wet conditions in the region, forecasting further challenges as climate impacts deepen. The situation in Bangladesh epitomizes the urgent need to address climate-related vulnerabilities and support adaptation measures.
The context surrounding the increased incidence of extreme wet weather and the heightened hazards associated with climate change is critical. Climate change has been linked to the exacerbation of severe weather events, leading to various water-related disasters worldwide. The Global Water Monitor report offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced, highlighting the socio-economic and environmental implications of these changes, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Global South.
In summary, the year 2024 has underscored the severe consequences of climate change, as seen in the unprecedented weather extremes across the globe, particularly in the Global South. The increasing frequency and intensity of water-related disasters pose significant threats to millions, necessitating immediate global attention and action. Bangladesh’s situation serves as a poignant example of the urgent need for enhanced resilience and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Original Source: www.context.news
